Czech news in brief for September 14: Sunday's top headlines

Dozens of armed officers surrounded a top-floor flat near the Přístaviště tram stop in Prague 4 on Sunday after a man claimed he had harmed someone. The 50-year-old caller, heavily intoxicated, surrendered without a weapon found. A second man, 48, briefly barricaded himself and fled to the roof before negotiators persuaded him to come down. No injuries were reported, and the operation ended early afternoon.

Opposition party ANO would win 31.3 percent of the vote according to the latest STEM poll for CNN Prima News, ahead of the ruling Spolu coalition at 20.2 percent and SPD at 12.5 percent. The Pirates and STAN both stand at 10 percent, with the Pirates reaching their best result this year. Stačilo! polls at 7.4 percent and the Motorists at 6 percent. The poll, conducted Aug. 21–Sept. 9 among 1,500 respondents, projects ANO to take 69 seats, Spolu to win 42, and SPD 26.

A 21-year-old Czech woman was rescued Saturday after six hours on Austria’s Hochlantsch mountain, APA reported. She and a 23-year-old Czech companion were climbing a secured route when she became unable to continue. Poor visibility prevented a helicopter rescue, so more than 30 mountain rescuers and firefighters lowered her to the valley in a technically demanding operation. Both climbers were properly equipped.

Czech Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil marked the 88th anniversary of President Tomáš G. Masaryk’s death, praising his commitment to democracy and critical thinking. Speaking at Masaryk’s statue in Prague, Vystrčil said Masaryk verified facts and stood against the majority when it was wrong. Officials including Transport Minister Martin Kupka also attended. A sealed note with Masaryk’s alleged last words will be opened Sept. 19 at Lány Chateau.

Police are investigating a second anonymous threat this week warning of poisoned bottled water containing ricin in Czech shopping centers, they said Saturday. The author gave no specific locations. Security guards were urged to stay alert, but police said there is no need for panic. A similar threat surfaced Monday as officers assess whether the messages aim to cause fear or disrupt services.

Czechia advanced to the Davis Cup quarterfinals after edging the United States 3–2 in Delray Beach. Jakub Menšík sealed the win by defeating Frances Tiafoe 6–1, 6–4 after Jiří Lehečka upset world No. 5 Taylor Fritz in three sets. The Czechs, champions in 2012 and 2013, return to the quarterfinals for the first time in two years. The final rounds begin Nov. 18 in Bologna.

Moose Emil, who became a media darling while wandering through Czechia and Slovakia this year, has crossed the Danube again and is now in Amstetten, Austria, halfway between Vienna and Salzburg, APA reports. Previously seen in several Austrian districts, Emil caused train disruptions in St. Pölten earlier this month. Authorities urge the public not to approach or disturb the solitary animal, which likely originated in Poland.

Czechia’s ruling coalition and opposition parties, including ANO, Pirates, and SPD, vow to raise parental benefits after the Oct. 3–4 elections. Proposals range from higher allowances and tax deductions to expanded kindergarten access. ANO seeks a hike from CZK 350,000 to 400,000, while STAN backs bonuses for shared childcare. Parties also propose new family tax breaks and measures to support traditional families.

A 76-year-old man suffered moderate to severe chest injuries after a bull attacked him near Kdyně in the Pilsen Region Saturday morning, rescue officials said. He was airlifted to Pilsen University Hospital. Later, paramedics treated eight people stung by hornets during a cross-country race in Nebílovy, sending four to hospitals for suspected severe allergic reactions.

Czech and Taiwanese writers will exchange annual residencies under a memorandum signed in Brno by Moravian Library director Tomáš Kubíček and Taiwanese Culture Minister Li Yuan. The program aims to deepen cultural understanding between the two nations, which share experiences with totalitarian rule. The library already partners with Taiwan on literary exhibitions and university programs, continuing a long tradition of cultural cooperation.

A memorial to the Wolfram airborne unit, the largest Czechoslovak WWII sabotage group, was unveiled in Morávka, North Moravia. Sculptor Martin Kuchař created the sandstone monument, delayed a year due to floods. The unit’s six members carried out sabotage and covert communications in 1944. An educational trail marking their activities in the Beskydy Mountains may also be restored, officials said.